Adopt a Storm Drain This Fall

Autumn leaves are beautiful—but they don’t belong in our storm drains!

As autumn leaves begin to fall and accumulate, now is the perfect time to adopt a storm drain or check on your adopted storm drain to help keep Draper’s neighborhoods and local waterways clean.

Why does it matter?

Draper City’s storm drains typically carry stormwater directly to local waterways, such as creeks, canals, and the Jordan River, without treatment. When fallen leaves, grass clippings, soil, twigs, and other plant debris enter storm drains, they can be carried to these waterways as well.

Fallen leaves and other plant debris are organic matter that naturally decompose and release nutrients as they break down. When excessive amounts enter into waterways, this decomposition can consume dissolved oxygen that fish and other aquatic life need to survive, while released nutrients can promote algae growth and potentially contribute to harmful algal blooms.

Meanwhile, leaves and other debris accumulated on and/or around storm drain grates can block water flow and contribute to localized flooding.

Haven’t adopted a storm drain yet?

Visit Draper City’s Adopt-a-Storm-Drain program page, explore the map of available storm drains, select an available storm drain, and submit an adoption application.

Your autumn storm drain checklist:

• Check your storm drain. Please inspect your adopted storm drain at least once a month during the autumn season.
• Stay safe. Work from a safe location away from traffic. Never enter a storm drain, reach inside it, or attempt to lift the grate. Report serious blockages or hazardous materials to the Draper City Storm Drain Division.
• Clear the grate and surrounding area. Sweep up fallen leaves, dirt, and litter before they wash away.
• Dispose of debris properly. Place collected leaves and litter in the appropriate waste or yard-waste collection.
• Submit a brief update. After checking your drain, find and click on your storm drain in the Draper City Adopt-a-Storm-Drain Map and submit a brief update, even if no cleaning was needed. Your updates help the City track volunteer activity and the amount/type of debris removed.

Leaves and other debris kept out of the road and storm drain is a small step toward cleaner waterways and neighborhoods. Even if you don’t adopt a storm drain, being aware of impacts to storm drains, keeping an eye on those near your home, and reporting issues helps our storm drain maintenance efforts.

Thank you for being part of the solution and helping protect local streams and the Jordan River this fall.